Spanning an area of approximately 1,000 square kilometers, this region is home to over 150 industrial units. Between 7% and 12% of Saudi Arabia's GDP—along with nearly half of its foreign investment—is dependent on this region. The Saudi Ministry of Defense reported that seven ballistic missiles fired toward the Eastern Province were successfully intercepted. Some debris from the intercepted missiles landed near energy facilities. The extent of the damage is currently being assessed. Amidst these developments, Trump issued a renewed warning, stating that if an agreement is not reached by 8:00 PM on April 7, attacks on Iran's critical infrastructure could ensue.
Iran has sharply criticized Trump's remarks, labeling them "arrogant rhetoric." The country's youth—particularly athletes, artists, and students—have been called upon to gather around power plants and form human chains in solidarity. Meanwhile, Iranian attacks on petrochemical facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates over the weekend have demonstrated that, despite claims to the contrary, their missile and drone capabilities remain fully operational.
Notably, Iran rejected a US proposal for a ceasefire aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Middle East. The country's official news agency, IRNA, reported that Tehran has submitted a counter-proposal consisting of a ten-point list of demands. This proposal emphasizes a permanent cessation of hostilities rather than merely a temporary truce. Tehran conveyed this message to Washington via Pakistan on Monday. The 10-point proposal put forward by Iran calls for an end to all forms of conflict throughout the region, the assurance of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of sanctions, and the reconstruction of war-torn areas. Speaking to reporters at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Washington had considered a proposal for a 45-day ceasefire. While he described the initiative as "a significant step," he remarked that it was "not enough." However, during the White House's annual "Easter Egg Roll" event, Trump leveled harsh criticism against Iran's current leadership. He stated, "We have removed the first and second regimes. The people we are negotiating with now are not as radical as their predecessors, and I believe they are much more intelligent. Yet, I am displeased with them, and they will have to pay a heavy price for it."